Minister Joly Announces Two Appointments to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

GATINEAU, QC, April 10, 2018 /CNW/ – Today the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, announced the appointments of Cheryl May and Moses Gashirabake as new part-time directors for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) following an open, transparent and merit-based selection process. Ms. May will be serving a four-year term effective immediately, and Mr. Gashirabake will serve a three-year term effective May 28, 2018.

Ms. May currently serves as a consultant for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and has worked with the organization since 2014, providing strategic approaches to race relations in Canada. Her experience in social services and innovation provides her with a unique perspective and skillset, as well as extensive knowledge that will assist her in addressing issues across various multicultural communities.

Mr. Gahirabake has extensive experience in the domain of African affairs, with a particular focus on Kenyan, Rwandan and refugee issues. Mr. Gahirabake has worked in the field of academia for seven years and is a current board member for the Ambassador and Admissions Committee for McGill University’s Faculty of Law. He also served as President of the National Black Law Students’ Association of Canada in 2014–15.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada’s leading agency dedicated to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society. It strives to coordinate and cooperate with all sectors of society, and develop partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations at the local, provincial and Canada-wide levels.

Quotes

“Diversity is Canada’s strength, and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation plays a vital role in nurturing our inclusive society. These two new board appointees will help with the foundation’s goal of promoting equality, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Through their work, we will continue to support the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canada.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism

Quick Facts

The CRRF’s Board of Directors consists of a Chairperson and up to 11 additional members appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister. The Executive Director, who is appointed by the Governor in Council, also serves as Chief Executive Officer and an ex-officio member of the Board.

In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach to appointments by the Governor in Council. This approach respects gender parity and is supported by an open, transparent and merit-based selection process – one that will result in the recommendation of exceptionally competent candidates who truly reflect Canada’s diversity.

The new approach requires a selection process for both full-time and part-time positions.

All appointment opportunities for the 18 organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio are being posted as they become available on the Governor in Council Appointments website. Interested parties can apply online.

The purpose of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation is defined by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Act.

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